Liverpool City Council will distribute $172,000 to 50 small businesses in the Liverpool area as part of its Business Resilience Grant program, created to support businesses heavily impacted by COVID-19.
“Council’s Business Resilience Grant program is one of many measures Council has put in place to support businesses in this new operating environment, with grant funding to help businesses pivot their operating model or improve their online strategy,” Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said.
“Council has also amended hardship provisions for rate payments, given rent abatements to many Council tenants, established a ‘Support Local’ campaign and helped businesses strengthen their online presence.”
Grants to the value of $106,000 will go to 28 businesses in the Liverpool city centre, with a further $66,000 to go to 22 businesses in the greater local government area.
Michael Tran, who has operated cafe Out of Office Espresso in Liverpool since 2019, said the $5000 he will receive from Council would help to rebrand, reorientate the business offering and establish an online order system through a new website.
“Funding from Council will go a long way to help refresh our business identity and offering, delivering delicious Mexican cuisine to customers in Liverpool and surrounding suburbs through a new online order system,” Mr Tran said.
ACE Nurse School in Liverpool will receive $4000 in funding to help it transition its curriculum online.
“The team at ACE Nurse School is incredibly grateful for Council’s support, which will do wonders in helping us to continue providing accredited aged care training through e-learning to support the ageing population,” ACE Nurse School CEO Annissa Bhutia said.
Mayor Waller said she was proud of the community’s selflessness in recent months and emphasised the need to shop local.
“I’ve seen many fantastic examples of our community’s compassion and courage as we’ve rallied together to support local business and each other during these challenging times,” Mayor Waller said.
“I want to reiterate that Council is here to provide guidance and support any way we can, but we can’t do it alone.
“Please shop and eat locally, practise good hygiene and social distancing when out and about.”
Community members are encouraged to visit for a list of local businesses which are open, while businesses should visit for up-to-date support information.
